There are several types of stories that are well-suited for low budget films. By choosing a story that is well-suited for a low budget film, you can focus on strong performances and storytelling rather than relying on expensive special effects or elaborate sets. It’s something I deal with on my weekend masterclass: Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking
There are several types of stories that are well-suited for low budget films. Here are a few that I track. Im sure you will have your own examples that you can put into the comments box below.
1.Character-driven stories:
These types of stories focus on the development and relationships of the characters rather than relying on big action scenes or special effects. They can be set in a limited number of locations and are often driven by dialogue.
Here are a few examples of character-driven stories:
“Lost in Translation” (2003):
This movie follows the relationship between two characters, Bob (played by Bill Murray) and Charlotte (played by Scarlett Johansson), who meet while staying at the same hotel in Tokyo. The movie explores their emotional and existential struggles as they navigate their way through a foreign city and culture.
“Boyhood” (2014):
This movie follows the life of a boy named Mason (played by Ellar Coltrane) as he grows up over the course of 12 years. The movie explores the challenges and joys of growing up, as well as the complexities of family relationships.
“Moonlight” (2016):
This movie tells the story of a young black man named Chiron (played by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) as he grows up in Miami and struggles with his sexuality and his relationship with his mother. The movie explores the intersections of race, class, and sexuality in a powerful and emotional way.
“Frances Ha” (2012):
This movie follows the life of Frances (played by Greta Gerwig), a 27-year-old aspiring dancer living in New York City. The movie explores her relationships with her friends and her struggle to find her place in the world.
“The Florida Project” (2017):
This movie tells the story of a young girl named Moonee (played by Brooklynn Prince) and her mother Halley (played by Bria Vinaite), who live in a motel near Disney World in Florida. The movie explores the challenges and joys of childhood, as well as the struggles of poverty and the American Dream.
2.Small-scale dramas:
These types of stories typically focus on a small group of characters and their personal struggles. They often take place in one or two locations and rely on strong performances from the actors.”Manchester by the Sea” (2016): This movie follows the story of Lee Chandler (played by Casey Affleck), a janitor in Boston who returns to his hometown after his brother dies and becomes the legal guardian of his teenage nephew. The movie explores themes of grief, family, and personal responsibility.
“The Wrestler” (2008):
This movie tells the story of Randy “The Ram” Robinson (played by Mickey Rourke), a retired professional wrestler who tries to revive his career while also reconnecting with his estranged daughter. The movie explores the struggles of aging and the price of fame.
“Blue Valentine” (2010)
This movie follows the tumultuous relationship between a couple, Dean (played by Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (played by Michelle Williams), over the course of several years. The movie explores themes of love, marriage, and the complexities of relationships.
“The Station Agent” (2003):
https://youtu.be/3F4K8U5l–o||
This movie tells the story of Finbar McBride (played by Peter Dinklage), a quiet and introverted man who inherits an abandoned train station in rural New Jersey. The movie explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for connection.
“Take Shelter” (2011):
https://youtu.be/hUraDx3oFVg|
This movie follows the story of Curtis LaForche (played by Michael Shannon), a man who becomes obsessed with preparing for an impending apocalyptic storm while also dealing with the challenges of his personal life. The movie explores themes of mental illness, family, and the fear of the unknown.
3. Coming-of-age stories:
These types of stories can be set in a variety of locations and often focus on the personal growth and development of a young protagonist. They don’t typically require expensive sets or special effects and can be filmed on a relatively low budget.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012):
https://youtu.be/n5rh7O4IDc0
This movie follows the story of Charlie (played by Logan Lerman), an introverted high school freshman who struggles with depression and forms a close bond with his new friends, Sam (played by Emma Watson) and Patrick (played by Ezra Miller).
“Lady Bird” (2017):
This movie follows the story of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (played by Saoirse Ronan), a high school senior in Sacramento, California, who dreams of leaving her hometown and attending college on the East Coast.
“The Breakfast Club” (1985):
https://youtu.be/BSXBvor47Zs
This movie tells the story of five high school students from different social groups who spend a Saturday in detention together and ultimately form unexpected bonds with each other.
Mystery or thriller stories:
These types of stories can be set in a limited number of locations and rely on tension and suspense rather than special effects or action scenes. They can be filmed on a low budget with creative camera angles and lighting.
Here are some examples of low budget thrillers:
“The Invitation” (2015):
This movie follows the story of a man named Will (played by Logan Marshall-Green) who attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, only to realize that something sinister is going on.
“Coherence” (2013):
This movie tells the story of a group of friends who gather for a dinner party, only to experience a series of strange and increasingly frightening events that threaten to unravel their relationships and their sense of reality.
“Creep” (2014):
This movie follows the story of a videographer named Aaron (played by Patrick Brice) who takes a job filming a strange man named Josef (played by Mark Duplass), only to realize that Josef is not what he seems.
“Hush” (2016):
This movie tells the story of a deaf writer named Maddie (played by Kate Siegel) who must fight for her life when a masked killer appears outside her isolated home.
“Green Room” (2015):
This movie follows the story of a punk rock band who find themselves trapped in a remote venue after witnessing a murder committed by a group of neo-Nazis. The movie is full of tension and suspense as the band members try to survive against all odds.
These movies demonstrate that a low budget does not necessarily limit the creativity or effectiveness of a thriller, and that a great story can be told without the need for extravagant production values or big-name actors.
Here are some examples of low budget mystery or thriller stories:
“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017):
This movie follows the story of a surgeon (played by Colin Farrell) who befriends a teenage boy, only to realize that the boy’s intentions may not be entirely innocent. The movie is full of tension and suspense as the surgeon’s life and family are threatened.
“The Guilty” (2018):
This movie tells the story of a police officer (played by Jakob Cedergren) who receives a distressing phone call from a kidnapped woman, and must race against time to save her. The movie is shot almost entirely inside a single room, and relies heavily on the tension and drama of the phone call to create suspense.
“Blue Ruin” (2013):
This movie follows the story of a man named Dwight (played by Macon Blair) who seeks revenge on the man who killed his parents, only to find himself in over his head. The movie is a tense and gritty thriller that explores themes of violence, revenge, and redemption.
“The Invitation” (2015):
This movie tells the story of a dinner party that takes a dark and twisted turn, as old secrets and hidden agendas come to light. The movie is shot almost entirely inside a single house, and relies heavily on the tension and suspense of the characters’ interactions to create a sense of dread.
“Cheap Thrills” (2013):
https://youtu.be/I0e0PH70Nig
This movie follows the story of two friends who are offered money by a wealthy couple to perform increasingly dangerous and degrading stunts. The movie is a dark and twisted thriller that explores themes of desperation, greed, and moral compromise.
These movies demonstrate that a low budget can actually enhance the creativity and ingenuity of a mystery or thriller, forcing filmmakers to rely on storytelling and suspense rather than expensive special effects or elaborate sets.
Romantic comedies can make great low budget film stories :
These types of stories often take place in a limited number of locations and rely on the chemistry between the lead actors. They don’t typically require expensive sets or special effects and can be filmed on a relatively low budget.
Here are some examples of low budget romantic comedies:
“Before Sunrise” (1995):
This movie follows the story of two strangers, Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke) and Celine (played by Julie Delpy), who meet on a train in Europe and spend a romantic night exploring Vienna together. The movie is shot in real-time and relies heavily on the chemistry between the two lead actors to create a sense of romance and intimacy.
“Ingrid Goes West” (2017):
This movie tells the story of a young woman named Ingrid (played by Aubrey Plaza) who becomes obsessed with a social media influencer named Taylor (played by Elizabeth Olsen), and moves to Los Angeles to try to befriend her. The movie is a dark comedy that explores themes of social media, identity, and obsession, while also featuring a sweet and unexpected romance.
“The Big Sick” (2017):
This movie follows the story of a Pakistani-American comedian named Kumail (played by Kumail Nanjiani) and a white woman named Emily (played by Zoe Kazan) who fall in love, only to have their relationship tested by cultural differences and a medical crisis. The movie is based on the true story of Nanjiani’s own courtship with his wife, and features a heartfelt and honest portrayal of modern love.
“The One I Love” (2014):
This movie tells the story of a couple (played by Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss) who go on a weekend retreat to try to save their marriage, only to encounter some unexpected and surreal twists. The movie is a quirky and inventive take on the romantic comedy genre, featuring strong performances and a surprising story.
“500 Days of Summer” (2009):
This movie follows the story of a young man named Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls in love with a woman named Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel), only to discover that she does not believe in love. The movie is a bittersweet and unconventional romantic comedy that explores the highs and lows of modern relationships.
FADE OUT
These movies demonstrate that a low budget does not limit the creativity or appeal of a romantic comedy, and that great stories can be told with simple settings, strong performances, and a focus on character and emotion.
The challenge is simple:
Choose a genre. Examine a commercially successful film in the genre that appeals to you. And learn!
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